For a different kind of cruise experience, consider a trans-Atlantic crossing. You can sail, for example, from New York City to Southhampton (about an hour south of London); or from Miami to Barcelona. Of course, you can also sail from east to west, starting in Europe and ending in the U.S.; imagine starting a European vacation with a flight, and ending with a relaxing ocean cruise back home.

Between embarkation and debarkation, you’ll enjoy a string of relaxed days at sea. As the captain and crew guide the ship across the Atlantic, you’ll have time to get to know your ship and all it has to offer, to socialize with your fellow passengers, or even learn a new pastime.

Cunard Line is a leader in trans-Atlantic crossings, sailing the Queen Mary 2 between Southhampton and New York. Since it launched in 2004, the elegant ocean liner has made more than 200 trans-Atlantic crossings, with 18 more scheduled for 2014.

A leisurely crossing is a fine opportunity to curl up with that book you’ve been meaning to read, but you’ll also have lots of opportunities for fun on board. Cunard and other cruise lines that regularly cross the Atlantic offer plenty of activities and entertainment. And, a trans-Atlantic crossing provides the time needed to learn a new skill: for example, rather than settling for one dance lesson, you can really perfect your tango or learn to salsa dance. Your ships might also offer classes in enjoyable pursuits such as jewelry making, new culinary techniques or watercolor painting.

A trans-Atlantic crossing also gives you time to try out all of the ship’s dining options; to jump-start your wellness plan by working out daily in the gym; and to attend presentations on history, art and culture. You could enter the ship’s table tennis tournament, play a variety of famous courses on a golf simulator, or pamper yourself with spa treatments.

You won’t have to choose among the ship’s evening shows – there’s time to see them all. And, you can visit a different bar or lounge each evening to enjoy some music, dancing and a nightcap.

Some trans-Atlantic cruises make a port call or two: in fact, trans-Atlantic crossings that reposition ships from one region to another often include some extra port calls. You might stop in exotic locations like the Azores, Gibraltar, or an island off the Swedish coast.

To find out more about relaxing on a trans-Atlantic crossing, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.